The Anambra State Police Command has warned residents of an emerging pattern of robbery and other criminal activities involving the use of motorcycles, urging motorcycle owners, riders and community leaders to remain vigilant and strengthen cooperation with security agencies.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, October 3, 2026, by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama.
Ikenga said the alert followed recent incidents, including the arrest of a motorcycle rider allegedly found with a pistol during a stop-and-search operation in Nnewi.
He said another incident under investigation in Aguleri involved the reported attack and dispossession of a motorcycle rider of his motorcycle and other personal belongings, adding that the incident tragically resulted in the death of the victim.
“The Anambra State Police Command wishes to alert residents to an emerging pattern of criminal activities involving the use of motorcycles to facilitate robbery and other offences,” Ikenga said.
According to him, preliminary observations indicate that criminal elements may be exploiting motorcycles to facilitate their movements and carry out robbery and other criminal activities, particularly against unsuspecting members of the public and fellow motorcycle users.
The police spokesperson also expressed concern over the failure of some motorcycle owners to properly register their motorcycles or maintain adequate ownership documentation.
Ikenga said the lack of proper documentation could make it more difficult to identify, trace and recover motorcycles when stolen or subsequently used in criminal activities.
In response to the development, CP Nnanna Oji Ama has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across the state to intensify sensitisation and community engagement with motorcycle riders’ associations, Presidents-General of communities, vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders.
Ikenga said the engagements would focus on strengthening community-based intelligence, improving motorcycle identification and documentation, enhancing information sharing and developing coordinated strategies to prevent criminals from exploiting motorcycles in the commission of robbery and other crimes.
The Command advised all motorcycle owners and riders to ensure that their motorcycles are properly registered and that relevant ownership documents are readily available.
Residents were also urged to promptly report suspicious motorcycle movements, persons or activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency communication channels.
The Commissioner of Police further called on motorcycle riders’ associations, community leaders and other stakeholders to cooperate with the Police by providing credible and timely information that could assist in identifying and disrupting criminal elements operating within their communities.
“The Command reiterates that security is a shared responsibility and calls on Ndi Anambra to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the Police rather than confronting suspected criminals themselves,” Ikenga said.
